I had $1 million in the bank at 36. When I turned 40, I vowed to pursue my passions instead of running a billion-dollar company.

I had the financial security to feel confident taking the risk of quitting my CEO job to start the faire. For two years, from 2012 to 2014, I focused on building that business.

I traveled the globe as an exec, but returned home for the Renaissance fair every year. I've gone to the Texas Renaissance Festival every year since I was 16.

After spending years in corporate life, my passion for the Renaissance fair led me to pursue that, while starting a tech company simultaneously.

I was literally on a horse at the faire when a friend called with a venture idea. I was playing dress-up, but it inspired my tech journey.

Read at Business Insider